How the cutter on the coast of Zandvoort finally came home for Christmas through charity

A robust cutter on the beach of Zandvoort. For more than three weeks, ‘Black Jack’ dominated the seascape of the coastal town. The cutter’s soap opera started on November 22 when it foundered on a sandbank on the coast, and ended yesterday when after three previous unsuccessful attempts was pulled loose. This outcome is thanks to countless people and companies who volunteered to help free of charge.

Everyone sympathizes

Ed Reker (61) from IJmuiden unsuspectingly fished for shrimp close to the coast on November 22. After a rope got caught in the propeller, the boat became uncontrollable and then blown into a sandbank by the wind. Reker sat alone on the stranded boat. According to her daughter, Lisette Reker, her father was going through a lot of trouble.

Dozens of people were involved in ‘Operation Kotter’ over the past three weeks. First the Royal Dutch Rescue Company (KNRM), which tried to refloat the ship with a tugboat. A monster job, as it turned out. There was no way to free the stuck cutter. In the frantic efforts, the tug itself also beached on the sandbank. A unique situation: never before have two boats been stranded off the coast of Zandvoort. The use of ‘large artillery’ allowed the tug to be refloated a few hours later. The cutter from IJmuiden? It remained stuck.

Text continues below photo

The futile towing attempts did not bother Ed Reker. The reason for daughter Lisette to start a fundraising campaign. “Shrimp fishing is his source of income and pension. The repairs will also soon be expensive.” It turned out that there was great solidarity among fellow fishermen. Donations were massive and within a few days the counter had already raised more than 64,000 euros. Something that, according to Lisette, her father mainly owes to himself: “My father is one of the last independent fishermen. The world is small, everyone sympathizes.”

A week later it became clear that heavier artillery was needed. For example, large (excavating) machines had to clear the way for the ship. The permitting for this was completed quickly. A spokesperson said: “Of course everything has to be done carefully, but we do ensure that the skipper does not end up in an extensive merry-go-round of permits. This man must be helped.”

He also thought that the best man should be helped Riemer Bronze. He followed the news surrounding the cutter closely and started a relief campaign with his company. Together with two other companies, Brons supplied personnel and materials in an ultimate attempt to get the stranded shrimp cutter back to sea. Everything completely free of charge. Brons: “I think I could have filled the entire beach with machines, I received so much help from registrations.”

Yet this third attempt also ended in deception. The tow rope broke twice. In addition, a broken clutch and short daylight threw a spanner in the works.

Happy ending

Three weeks later, and several attempts later, the cutter had become national news. Help was offered from far and wide. Dozens of people involved gave this tips how best to refloat the boat. Even out Friesland a helping hand came. A company from Harlingen specialized in strong cables came to the aid of skipper Reker. A gigantic strong and super light tow rope was sponsored. The cable played a leading role yesterday during the final scene of the Zandvoort cutter drama.

Text continues below the photo

After twenty-four days, yesterday, with Frisian tow rope and the efforts of dozens of volunteers, we managed to free the cutter from the sandbank. Daughter Lisette was in ecstasy: “It’s unimaginable. Unbelievable. Tears everywhere.” The mayor of Zandvoort also responded from the beach and was happy. He congratulated and praised everyone involved.

The cutter is now back home and is moored in IJmuiden. Finally, the Reker family would like to thank everyone who helped – in whatever form. “We have had heart-warming messages and support over the last three weeks. Everyone sympathized and that does us good.” In particular, they thank the people who have worked selflessly. Because one thing is certain: without the tireless efforts of all volunteers and companies, this cutter soap would never have ended in a happy ending.